MDMA is widely known as the drug of choice for those within the rave culture and is also commonly found in clubs, festivals, and house parties. Ecstasy is a synonym for MDMA, which is an abbreviation of methylenedioxymethamphetamine. It is more commonly referred to as simply "E", "X", or "XTC". MDMA is criminalized in most countries, while some limited exceptions exist for scientific and medical research. In the medical field, MDMA has potential use in the field of psychotherapy. Small doses of MDMA are used to enhance prayer or meditation by religious practitioners. The initial effects of MDMA are predictable and consistent among users, the effects can begin taking effect after 30 minutes, up until an hour after, the effects peak at about 75 to 120 minutes, reaching a plateau that lasts on average 3.5 hours, this is followed by a comedown that lasts a few hours, depending on the person and the dosage.

The picture below represents the MDMA molecule.

external image Mdma.space.fill.pdb.gif















Effects

  • Derealization
  • Depersonalization
  • Altered perception of space and time
  • Positive basic mood
  • Mania-like experience
  • Anxious derealization
  • Thought disorder
  • Fears of loss of thought or body control
  • Visual hallucinations or pseudo-hallucinations
  • Synesthesiac
  • Changed meaning of percepts
  • Facilitated recollection or imagination
  • Increases to; self-confidence, mood, extroversion, sensitivity


Adverse Side Effects

  • Difficulties concentrating
  • Jaw clenching / grinding of teeth during sleep
  • Lack of appetite
  • Dry mouth/thirst


Long term aftereffects

  • Psychological
    • Anxiety and paranoia
    • Depression
    • Irritability
    • Fatigue
    • Impaired attention, focus and concentration
    • Less motivation
    • Residual feelings of empathy, emotional sensitivity, and a sense of closeness to others

  • Physiological
    • Dizziness, lightheadedness, or vertigo
    • loss of appetite
    • Gastrointestinal disturbances, such as diarrhea or constipation
    • Insomnia
    • Aches and pains, usually from excessive physical activity
    • Exhaustion
    • Jaw soreness

The generally accepted slang term to define the depression period after taking MDMA is "Tuesday Blues" or "Suicide Tuesday". This is due to a depleted serotonin levels following MDMA use during the weekend.

Overdose Indicators

  • Psychological
    • Disorientation and/or confusion
    • Agitation
    • Hallucinations
    • Thought disorder
    • Cognitive and memory impairment
    • Amnesia

  • Physiological
    • Muscle rigidity
    • Convulsions
    • Hyperreflexia
    • Hyperactivity
    • Hypertension
    • Hypotension
    • Tachycardia
    • Palpitations
    • Cardiac dysfunction, arrest, heart failure

  • Chronic Use
    • Increased rates of depression



References


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MDMA
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f2/Mdma.space.fill.pdb.gif
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B--z9YIr9Bk

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